The bill introduces the "Forestry Parity Act" as a new chapter in Title 2 of the General Laws, aiming to provide equal treatment for forestry and forest product operations as is given to farming and agriculture. It emphasizes the importance of forests for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the state's economy, and seeks to protect forest operations from nuisance lawsuits and excessive regulations. The bill defines relevant terms such as "forest-based business" and "forest land," and allows forestry activities in freshwater wetlands only as permitted by the Department of Environmental Management. It also amends various chapters of the General Laws to include the registration and inspection of "forestry vehicles," set liability insurance requirements, and recognize the role of forestry in economic development by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.

Furthermore, the bill revises the assessment of tangible personal property for taxation, adding "forestry machinery and equipment" to the classification system and allowing cities and towns to tax forestry product operations buildings based on actual service costs. It amends zoning ordinances to include forest product operations as permitted land uses in all zoning districts, with exceptions for public health, safety, or wildlife habitat protection. The bill also addresses the temporary placement of mobile homes, accessibility for people with disabilities, and accessory dwelling units for family members with disabilities or those aged 62 or older. It includes a severability clause and would take effect upon passage, creating a new vehicle registration category for forestry vehicles.

Statutes affected:
5784  SUB A: 42-64-5, 44-5-12.1, 44-27-1, 45-24-37
5784: 42-64-5, 44-5-12.1, 44-18-30, 44-27-1, 45-24-37